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Frenkie de Jong confirms Pep Guardiola talks before choosing Barcelona move

Frenkie de Jong during the UEFA Nations League A group one match between Netherlands and France at De Kuip on November 16, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Image: Frenkie de Jong will join Barcelona from Ajax in the summer

Frenkie de Jong says he held talks with Pep Guardiola about joining Manchester City before he decided to move to Barcelona.

The Spanish champions announced the signing of the Ajax midfielder on Thursday, with De Jong moving to the Nou Camp in the summer for £65m.

However, De Jong says several of European football's biggest clubs were chasing his signature, telling Dutch broadcaster NOS: "I spoke to PSG, yes.

Pep Guardiola
Image: Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are searching for a new midfielder

"I rang Maxwell [PSG sporting coordinator] to tell him I was not joining them and my agent informed PSG.

"I also spoke with Guardiola about a move to Man City. Clubs all try to convince you when they want you.

"I am happy and proud that they did so much to get me. I am happy, proud and also somewhat relieved that it's now all behind us."

De Jong, who has just five caps for the Netherlands, says Guardiola actually indirectly influenced his decision to opt to move to Barcelona.

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Maxwell
Image: De Jong says he called Maxwell to inform him of his decision to turn down PSG

He said: "Barcelona have always been a dream club for me. I already watched Barcelona as a kid and then when I was a bit more aware of the game you had the Guardiola era with all their successes.

"That turned me into an even bigger fan."

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